'The best day ever' - Boro legend Mogga surprises long-time fan with a home visit
Eric Hughes, a devoted fan of the club for over five decades, was lost for words when Mowbray knocked on his door.
The two shared stories, laughter, and memories spanning generations of football history.
The emotional meeting was arranged by radio host Paul 'Goffy' Gough, who has been in contact with Eric via his radio shows over the years.
Mowbray, a legendary figure in the history of Middlesbrough FC, is not only revered for his time as a commanding centre-half during the 1980s and '90s but also respected for his leadership as the club's manager from 2010 to 2013.
Affectionately known as "Mogga" among fans, his deep connection to the club – both as a player and as a manager – has cemented his place as one of Teesside's most admired football figures and a huge ambassador for the club.
"It was an absolute honour to meet Tony again," said Eric, whose eyes lit up as he recalled Mowbray's huge authority on the pitch and his dignified leadership around the club.
"He's always carried himself with such class, and he's one of us – someone who really understands what this club means to the Boro people.
"I only wish he was part of the club now, as we all love him."
During the surprise afternoon meeting, Eric took the opportunity to thank Mowbray for making him feel special after Boro had clinched promotion out of Division Three in 1987 – the season when the gates at Ayresome Park had been locked and the club appeared to be on the brink of extinction.
Eric had built strong relationships with decades of the club's players by watching them train daily at the old training ground at Hutton Road, and then jumping in the car with various players to head back to the ground.
He said: "The players had a special celebration after winning promotion through the play-offs against Chelsea.
"When they arrived home, there were thousands of fans there to greet them at the ground.
"They had arranged a celebration together at Ayresome Park – and as soon as Tony spotted me, he took me in to celebrate with them all.
"I'll never forget that day - the best day ever.
"Bruce Rioch, the team and Tony made me feel super special.
"We recalled that afternoon and he said it was only right, as I was part of their squad – and that was just magic to hear from him."
Mogga was equally moved by the occasion, saying: "It's always special to meet supporters like Eric who have stood by the club through thick and thin.
"These are the people who make football truly meaningful.
"I'm humbled to have played a part in his life journey.
"He was always there at training and at the matches, and when he wasn't around, we missed him.
"Long-time fans will remember Eric for his huge radio that he would carry around with him.
"Long before mobile phones and rolling sports news, Eric was the man in the know – telling fans the latest team news and scores that had some kind of effect on us."
"I just totally get what the Boro means to Eric and the fans – because I am one of them.
"I asked Goffy to arrange a visit with Eric, and it was wonderful to reminisce for those few special hours with him."
Radio host Goffy said: "We recorded some of the moments of Eric chatting to Tony, and he has watched them over and over again.
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"The encounter highlights the enduring legacy of club legends like Tony, and the deep emotional ties that exist between players like him and the club's passionate supporters.
"In a world where football can often feel commercial and distant, moments like this – instigated by Tony Mowbray – serve as powerful reminders of its roots in community, identity, and loyalty.
"To say that Eric was overjoyed would be a huge understatement – it visibly touched him, and it was clear that it did exactly the same to Mogga.
"The man hugs they shared will always remain very memorable to me."
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